June Pest of the Month: Bed Bugs

Brief description:

• Mahogany to re-brown in color
• Flat, broad when unfed; swollen and elongated when fed
• Ranging in size from 1.3mm to 7mm in length depending on the age
• Females can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime
• Bed bugs feed on the blood of warm bodied animals
• Consume a blood meal every 5-10 days but can survive a whole year without eating

Habits:

• Bed bugs harbor in cracks and crevices during the day and come out for blood feedings at night
• Hence their name, they are often found in beds among the mattress, box springs, rails, frame, headboard, and footboard
• They are excellent hitchhikers.  They hide in luggage, purses, bags, and other belongings to travel from place to place

Different species:

Threats:

• Bites are painless but can cause an allergic reaction which triggers small, red bumps on the skin

Prevention:

• Inspect bedding for bed bug skins and blood spots
• Change linens often
• Inspect rooms when traveling.
• Do not set luggage on the floor or on bed when traveling
• Inspect luggage, clothing, and linens when you return from traveling
• Inspect second hand furniture before bringing it into your home
• Seek professional pest control company to address a bed bug infestation

Other pests to look out for:

• Ants
• Fire Ants
• Mosquitoes
• House flies
• spiders